Hayley Lately: Taking Stock in March 2016

G’day, everyone! Seeing as I missed my regular Hayley Lately post in February because, you know, I was enjoying myself too much in Bali, I thought I would do another Taking Stock post. I quite enjoyed doing it last yearand I may try and do it more regular in 2016. So this is what I have been up to lately (warning: lots of Bali-ness ahead).

Making: money so I can fly the Australian nest (again) next year. All I know is I am able to obtain an Ancestry Visa to enter the UK, and I want to take full advantage of it.

Cooking: an Indian curry for dinner tonight. I am slowly broadening my cooking horizons thanks to regular visits to the Queen Vic Markets. That place is the best.

Drinking: a lot of Bintang Radlers in Bali. There are two combinations: beer mixed with grapefruit or lemon. I am pretty sure there is probably about 2% alcohol in them, but damn they were refreshing. And only $2.50 so, what’s a girl to do?

Reading: quite a bit in February: We Were Liars (YA novel with heartbreaking ending); Ruby Blues (just as good as its prequel); What Alice Forgot (excellent Liane Moriarty novel); and Crown of Midnight (catchy YA fantasy series).

Wanting: to go back to Bali, obviously.

Looking: at buying flights to Brisbane in May to see friends, my bro and my football team play. Just one of the many old homes of this nomad.

Deciding: what posts to write about Bali. I have a lot of ideas swimming around this head of mine.

Wishing: I could have stayed in Bali longer.

Enjoying: the fact that Quantico and Blindspot are finally back on TV after such a long hiatus.

Waiting: inevitablyfor the cold weather to slowly make its way back to Melbourne. Sigh.

Liking: the fact March is all about the public holidays in Victoria. Score!

Wondering: what will happen in my 27th year. Beginning it on holiday what a perfect start.

Loving: all the good stuff I bought in Bali: jewellery, dresses, shoes and maybe just a couple of bags. One of the dresses was $6 and has a pineapple print. I’m in love.

Pondering: my next Melbourne shopping trip. It’s been awhile since I’ve scoped the outlets, so I might make time for this one coming weekend.

Watching: quite a few Youtubers these days. Check out fellow Aussies and daily travel vloggers Stephen and Jess from Flying the Nest. They went on one epic adventure last year.

Hoping: to catch some shows at the International Comedy Fest in Melbourne, which begins next week.

Marvelling: at epic sunsets.

Cringing: at the fact my rugby team lost this weekend. Not a good start to the season.

Needing: to edit some photos on Lightroom. Have I told you how much I love that software? Game changer.

Questioning: the OJ Simpson case thanks to the new TV series, American Crime Story. Has anyone else been watching it, really, for the first time like me? I was only 5 when it happened, and in Australia.

Smelling: incense in Bali. It is used in many of the daily God offerings the Balinese display on the street, and it just makes me think of Bali.

Wearing: a lot of black. It is kind of hilarious looking at my weekly clothes wash — it’s just a sea of black, thanks mostly to my work uniform.

Noticing: the leaves are slowly turning brown and falling off the trees in Melbourne’s CBD.

Knowing: I will be back home on Magnetic Islandat the end of May makes me happy. The three days off work isn’t horrible, either.

Thinking: the Balinese are just super friendly and beautiful people. How they remember us year after year blows my mind.

Admiring: my current semi-tan. I may be using some of that amazing Dove gradual tanning lotion to keep it around a little longer. I never tan, so this is pretty impressive, guys.

Sorting: my room. It is actually looking quite tidy today.

Getting: sad as I finish watching Downton Abbey. Although I think the first few seasons were definitely the best, I will miss the Crawleys, and the period drama. There isn’t really another show like it.

Bookmarking: Mindy Kaling’s book, Why Not Me? So far all it is making me want to do is watch The Mindy Project. That’s good marketing.

Coveting: a pair of Nike runners after feeling just how lightweight they are. I now know why everyone owns a pair.

Disliking: that this week the season finale of How to Get Away with Murder airs. If you haven’t watched that show, do yourself and favour and binge-watch it this summer/winter.

Opening: birthday presents at the end of February. My grandad gifted me money, which I spent on getting a skirt and pants tailor-made in Bali. My parents also got me a 50mm lens for my camera. I am already impressed with the photo quality.

Feeling: hungry right now. I think it’s lunch time.

Snacking: on choc chip hot cross buns from work. Yes, they are delicious.

Helping: my sponsor child in Bali. I was not only able to see him on my birthday, but I was able to give his family a parcel of rice and other household items. His mum was so thankful, which made my day. I also gave him a small Lego kit and he was so impressed.

Hearing: good music lately thanks to Jack Garratt. Have you heard this guy yet? Check him out!

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Hello! I'm Hayley, a freelance writer, barista and blogger based in Melbourne. This is where I share stories about my former expat life in Canada, my solo travels around the world, and my addiction to books & TV. Welcome! I hope you'll stay awhile. Read More...